Pompano Beach may change law that bans the feeding of stray animals

POMPANO BEACH — — A public uproar over the plight of a woman fined for feeding stray cats may lead to the reversal of a city law that's been on the books for years.

Mayor Lamar Fisher said he plans to propose a 90-day moratorium on the city's ban on the feeding of stray animals.

Commissioners plan to discuss the proposal during a City Hall meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Fisher said he had not heard of anyone being fined for feeding a stray animal in Pompano Beach until the controversy was covered by the media.

"Several national and regional organizations came forward and asked if the city could look at other ordinances around the country to come up with something that would be palatable to all," he said. "That's our goal."

Gretchen Sheehan, 72, had been feeding a group of stray cats every day for three years when she was caught red-handed by an animal control officer in November. She received a $50 fine.

At the time, she said she had no clue she was breaking the law.

Two of the stray cats — Cinnamon and Sampson — have since been adopted by Suzanne Boisvenue, an Oakland Park commissioner who praised Pompano Beach officials for their willingness to change the city's obscure law.